Headline grabbers Richard Hill and Trevor Morley scored 49 goals between them in the 1986/87 Fourth Division title-winning campaign.
Their departure, within seven months of one another, left the club richer in cash but infinitely poorer on quality and the ability to entertain. When Eddie McGoldrick left Northampton for Crystal Palace another 12 months after Morley, in January 1989, the Nuneaton connection which spawned all three, had played an extraordinary role in propping up a poor club's coffers. Hill and Morley were brought in by Graham Carr for his first full season in charge, the 1985/86 campaign, Carr had managed both at Nuneaton and had a fair idea what to expect. In Morley's case, the ability was a surefire winner if translated into full-time training and the Fourth Division. Hill's purchase was more of a gamble, the 'X-Factor' in the equation.
"I knew Trevor had something a bit special and could make the difference for us, but when he signed for us, he had a bit of a knee problem and I remember the day we had to get him passed by the club doctor. I think I would have cried if I hadn't been able to him but luckily, he passed it OK." Hill 's history at Nuneaton was something a shade more chequered, though he had in common the fact both had been discarded by league clubs in their teenage years, Morley by Derby and, Hill at Leicester. At one point he had been released by suffering cramp during a match but read in the local newspaper the Nuneaton manager was short of players and rang up to offer his services.
It was to prove a profitable association for both men. Hill 11 scored 19 goals for the Cobblers during the 85/86campaign which saw the club finish eighth and, in some people’s, eyes play better football than the following season! The night game with Preston when he scored a hattrick and we won 6--0." People quickly latched onto Hill's prolific goal-scoring (33 in the championship campaign), yet he was frequently misquoted as a striker. Most of his threat came with runs from midfield and attempts to play him in the attack were largely a failure. By contrast, Morley's role with Ian Benjamin in holding the ball for runners to link up. was a critical part of the equation - especially with the long ball tactic an essential ploy?
Carr adds: "People talk about Morley and Hill but other factors were important. Phil Chard was a good signing and the link down the left between David Gilbert and Irvin Geinon another: with naturally left-footed players. "I knew-players like Russell Wilcox and Graham Reed from the non-league and Warren Donald had helped turn it around the year before."
Make sure you keep an eye on our social media for many more looking back articles plus much more. Keeping you entertained during this time. Much of this information has been found from Frank Grandes records and Northampton Chronicle and Echo.
